Ernest Robert Perry, 78, longtime resident of Auburn, Calif. passed away on November 3, 2017 at Auburn Faith Hospital after a long struggle with cancer. Ernest was born on September 1, 1939 to Ernest and Mary Perry in Niles, Calif. He graduated from Washington High in Fremont, Calif. He also attended San Jose City College in 1958 where he was drafted out of college by the US Navy and served from 1958 to 1962.Ernest went on to marry his wife of 54 years, Kathie Diane (Arnold)Perry and moved to Auburn in 1970. He worked for the Operating Engineers and retired in 1997. After retirement he enjoyed fishing, trap shooting and was an avid member of the Black Oak Men's Golf club. He enjoyed his 1941 Ford pickup hotrod and his Harley Davidson as well as riding dirt bikes and quads with his family. He also enjoyed following his grandchildren around to every single sporting event they participated in, including practices if he was allowed to watch by the coaches.He is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Kathie; son's James Robert Perry (Joy) of Roseville, Calif. and Gregory Arnold Perry (Debra) of Auburn; three grandchildren: Amber Lynn Orvis of Connecticut, Austin Robert Perry and Brooklynne Dawn Perry, both of Auburn; and one great granddaughter, Olivia of Connecticut. Ernest is also survived by his brother Roger Louis Perry (Carol) of Livermore, Calif. and numerous other family members residing in Livermore and Tracy, Calif.Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Perry and brother James Perry.A public viewing will be held at Chapel of The Hills, 1331 Lincoln Way in Auburn from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, November 17, 2017. The memorial service will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at 1162 Lincoln Way, Auburn, beginning at 1 p.m. A reception will immediately follow the services and will be held in the St. Joseph Parish Hall located directly at the rear of the church.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernest's honor to your local .